Costume Shop Manager

Department

About the Department

Job Summary

Responsibilities

• Collaborates closely with each production's costume designer to execute all costume designs in accordance with the artistic goals of the production, as is possible within the available resources of time, materials and labor.
• Shops purchased and rented costume pieces, and coordinates any returns after a production.
• Coordinates the laundering, dry cleaning, and other costume-maintenance needs throughout and following the run of each production.
• Attends all staff meetings, work calls, production meetings, technical rehearsals, and previews as necessary.
• Reads the plays in advance and advises Director of Production about costume-related needs as they might impact budget and/or schedule.
• Coordinates with other production departments as necessary to facilitate a smooth workflow.
• Supervises the two direct report positions of Wardrobe Supervisor and Costume Shop Assistant. Assigns tasks, sets their work hours, approves time off, and tracks their labor budgets. In collaboration with Director of Production, plans strategically for staff retention and professional development.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises overhire costume artisans and wardrobe run crew, and administers contracts with costume construction vendors for the creation of costume pieces, accessories, and wigs.
• Tracks costume department budgets closely and reconciles all costume-related expenses promptly.
• Tracks and approves costume department payroll promptly each pay period in collaboration with the Associate Production Manager.
• Oversees Court theatre's costume stock, making strategic decisions about organization, storage, and additions to the collection.
• Rents or loans costumes from Court's stock to other theatre companies as time allows and in the spirit of supporting artistic community. 
• Maintains an orderly and safe work environment at all times.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date inventory, and plans for and executes regular and long-term maintenance of all costume shop equipment.
• Assists Director of Production in planning for capital equipment purchases and improvements to the costume department.
• Provides costume support for Court's annual gala and supports the production department with other duties as assigned. 
• Engages with and supports Court's efforts to become an anti-racist organization where people of marginalized identities can feel safe and flourish.
• Acts as a resource for the production manager and provides recommendations regarding props solutions and related budget information.
• Works independently to manage the construction of props and their assembly for stage productions and rehearsals.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Work Experience:

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience: 

• 5 or more years experience working in a theatrical costume department or related field. 
• Managing the work of other employees.
• Managing materials and labor budgets.
• Managing a project and department budget.  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge and experience of costume technologies including draping, sewing, dyeing, wigs, and costume crafts.
• Knowledge of both contemporary and period costume and wig design for the stage. 
• as well as organizing and leading teams and designers through the production process.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and to navigate shifting and competing priorities with patience and diplomacy.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• A leader who sets a positive tone for the work environment and demonstrates a strong spirit of collaboration, creativity, and respect.
• Creative problem-solving skills and research new techniques/materials/solutions.
• Fine attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to quality.
• Forward-thinking team member who works to anticipate problems.
• Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong skills of diplomacy and discretion.
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative artistic environment.

Working Conditions

• Manual dexterity.
• Move or maneuver up to 35lbs repeatedly.
• May remain in a stationary and/or upright position for extended periods of time.
• Work in dusty, noisy, and low-light environments.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Work some evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Role Impact

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Pay Rate Type

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FLSA Status

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Pay Range

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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